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Podcast #1 – The Digital Alcohol Studies Archives

Our new podcast, Deep Dive: A Treasure Hunt in Alcohol Studies History, is an innovative approach to starting a conversation about substance use by sharing knowledge about the early decades of an emerging field benefiting from Artificial Intelligence.

The first episode introduces the Digital Alcohol Studies Archives Collection at Rutgers. The Center of Alcohol Studies (CAS) archive preserved a significant portion of the history of alcohol studies, including publications, correspondence from key figures, and materials related to the CAS Summer School. The collection documents the CAS’s pioneering role in research, education, treatment, and publication within the field, showcasing its evolution from Yale University to Rutgers. The digitization project aims to improve accessibility and ensure the long-term preservation of these historically valuable resources.
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FAQ: The Digital Alcohol Studies Archives

What is the Alcohol Studies Digital Archives?

Slide with screenshot The Alcohol Studies Digital Archives is a collection of digitized materials from the Center of Alcohol & Substance Use Studies (CAS) at Rutgers University. The CAS library housed one of the world’s largest collections of English-language documents related to alcohol use, abuse, and treatment until its closure in 2016. This digital archive aims to make these important resources accessible to the public and researchers once again.

What kind of information can I find in the Digital Archives?

The archive includes a wide variety of materials, including:

  • Publications: Scholarly and popular works published by CAS, reports, pamphlets, fact sheets, educational materials, newsletters, and materials related to publishing.
  • Notable People Collection: Drafts of publications, conference presentations, correspondence, notes, and other materials related to key figures in the field of alcohol studies like E.M. Jellinek, Selden D. Bacon, and Mark Keller.
  • Summer School Collection: Program brochures, alumni newsletters, and images documenting the history of the Summer School of Alcohol Studies at Yale and Rutgers.
  • Special Collections: Samples from the extensive print archives, including the Classified Abstract Archive of the Alcohol Literature (CAAAL) and the Temperance Collection.
  • Image Collection: Photographs, illustrations, sketches, and scans of documents related to alcohol studies.

What are some of the key accomplishments of the CAS?

The CAS has been a pioneer in the field of alcohol studies, achieving many “firsts” including:

  • The first scholarly journal in North America dedicated to alcohol research.
  • The first education and training program in alcohol studies.
  • The first research institution dedicated to alcohol use and related problems.
  • The first outpatient treatment clinic for alcoholism.

The CAS also played a leading role in recognizing alcoholism as a public health problem and a treatable illness.

Why is the Digital Archives important?

The Digital Archives serves several important purposes:

  • Preservation: It ensures the preservation of valuable historical materials documenting the evolution of alcohol studies as a field.
  • Accessibility: It makes these materials readily available to researchers and the public, regardless of their location.
  • Historical Context: It provides researchers with historical context to better understand current trends and translate past practices to current issues in substance use scholarship, education, and treatment.
  • Education: It serves as a valuable resource for students and the general public to learn about the history of alcohol studies.

Who can benefit from using the Digital Archives?

The Digital Archives is a valuable resource for a variety of users including:

  • Researchers studying the history of alcohol studies, the development of treatment programs, and the evolution of public policy related to alcohol use.
  • Educators seeking primary source materials for courses on alcohol studies, addiction, public health, and related subjects.
  • Students researching topics related to alcohol use, the history of addiction treatment, and the social and cultural impact of alcohol.
  • Policy advocates looking for historical precedents and insights into the commercial determinants of health related to alcohol.
  • The general public interested in learning more about the history of alcohol use and alcohol studies.

How is the Digital Archives organized?

SlideThe Digital Archives is organized into five main sections: Publications, Notable People, Summer School, Special Collections, and Images. Users can browse materials by section or use the search function to find specific documents. Detailed descriptions and metadata are provided for each item to help users understand its context and significance.

How can I access the Digital Archives?

The Digital Archives is accessible through the Rutgers University Libraries website.

How can I get help using the Digital Archives?

You can contact Rutgers University Libraries for assistance accessing and using the Digital Archives. Check out this guide on how to navigate the collection.